'Toilet revolution' set to transform China's tourist sites

Want China Times, Xinhua 2015-01-16

A cleaner at work at a toilet in Xujiahui Park in Shanghai, Oct. 21, 2014.
(File photo/Xinhua)

China will launch a "toilet revolution" at tourist sites across the country this year to make the notorious facilities cleaner and more in keeping with regulations, tourism authorities said on Thursday.

China will spend three years to improve the toilets at tourist sites, to address complaints about their insufficient numbers, unhygienic conditions, and lack of management, said Li Jinzao, head of the China National Tourism Administration.

Some 33,500 new toilets will be built at tourist sites during the period and another 25,000 will be refurbished, according to Li. By 2017, the country aims to make tourist restrooms reach three-star standards.

The administration asked local authorities to step up policy support and launch campaigns for the plan.